McDonalds

Sr Director, Global Creative Excellence & Design

McDonalds$208K — $260K *
Food & Beverages
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 12+ years of experience in creative leadership, design, and/or integrated marketing
  • Strong creative vision with commitment to high craft standards
  • Experience managing senior-level relationships with agencies
  • Proven ability to lead workshops and community-building initiatives
  • Expertise in governing a visual identity system across multiple channels
  • Excellent communication skills for influence in a global organization

Responsibilities

  • Provide thought leadership on major brand concepts and cultural moments
  • Lead creative reviews with agency partners, ensuring high standards
  • Organize and facilitate the annual Agency Summit to enhance creative output
  • Conduct capability-building workshops and recognize top creative work
  • Support markets with creative direction and workshops
  • Oversee and maintain visual identity standards for global consistency
  • Develop frameworks to enhance team efficiency and improve creative work

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance including medical and mental health coverage
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Bonus eligibility based on performance
  • Long-term incentive options, including stock or equity grants
Full Job Description
Department Overview

The Senior Director, Creative & Design will set the creative ambition for McDonald's most critical brand programs-helping big ideas take shape, raising the bar on craft, and ensuring the brand shows up with consistency and distinction around the world. This leader partners closely with brand strategy, agency teams, and markets to guide creative development, strengthen capabilities, and protect the visual identity of the brand.

Why Join This Team
  • Global impact - Our work sets the tone for markets around the world, influencing how millions of people experience the brand every day.
  • Creative stewardship - We're the guardians of the brand's identity, ensuring every message, design, and experience feels unmistakably "us."
  • Cross-functional collaboration - Partner with Digital, Menu, Comms, Operations, and agencies to bring big ideas to life.
  • Campaign leadership - Drive global campaigns that inspire markets and spark cultural conversation.
  • End-to-end influence - Shape the creative expression behind product launches, restaurant experiences, and digital innovations.


Duties

  • Provide thought leadership on big ideas for critical brand programs and real-time cultural moments-shaping concepts early and guiding work toward breakthrough creative.
  • Lead top-to-top Creative Reviews across key agency partners, ensuring clear direction and an uncompromising bar for craft.
  • Lead the annual Agency Summit, including agenda development, content curation and facilitation to strengthen shared ambition and creative output.
  • Lead capabilities-building moments, including Capabilities Webcasts and the Feel Good Marketing Awards-recognizing great work and raising creative standards across the system.
  • Support select markets with creative programs and workshops, bringing guidance where markets need help elevating work and building capability.
  • Own and evolve visual identity standards, ensuring global consistency and enabling teams to apply the system with clarity across channels and markets.
  • Strengthen creative ways of working by building simple frameworks, guidance and feedback loops that help teams move faster while improving the work.


Qualifications

  • 12+ years of experience in creative leadership, design, and/or integrated marketing
  • A strong creative point of view with high standards for craft and the ability to elevate ideas through clear feedback
  • Experience leading senior-level agency relationships, including top-to-top reviews and stakeholder alignment
  • Ability to build and lead communities-facilitating summits, workshops, and capability-building moments
  • Strong design literacy and experience owning or governing a visual identity system across channels
  • Clear communication with influence across a global, matrixed organization


Compensation

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Long - Term Incentive: Yes

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Salary Range

The expected salary range for this role is $208k-$260k per year. The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience, and other job-related factors.

Additional Information:

Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, including but not limited to comprehensive health insurance, which includes medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision coverage, as well as, life insurance.

Bonus eligible: This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance.

Long term Incentive eligible: This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald's long-term incentive plan.

Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.

About McDonalds

McDonald's Careers

Join the vibrant team at McDonald's, a global leader in the fast-food industry, and be part of a company known for its exceptional culture and commitment to innovation and leadership. At McDonald's, we offer a range of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal place to jumpstart or advance your career. Work You'll Do At McDonald's, every position is an opportunity to grow. Whether you're looking for an entry-level role or a managerial position, you'll find that McDonald's supports your career ambitions with robust training programs and growth opportunities. Our team is dedicated to helping you develop the leadership and professional skills necessary for success in any endeavor. Join our diverse team and contribute to a culture that values innovation, leadership, and diversity. McDonald's is not just a workplace but a community where you can thrive professionally and personally. McDonald's Employment Benefits Choose a career at McDonald's and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports both your professional and personal life. From competitive salaries and health benefits to employee discounts and flexible schedules, McDonald's is committed to the well-being of our team members. We also offer exclusive leadership and diversity training programs that empower our employees to take on new challenges and lead with confidence. Internship Opportunities Kickstart your career with a McDonald's internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and a chance to develop essential skills in a supportive environment. Interns at McDonald's work on real projects, learn from industry leaders, and gain exposure to the operational excellence that drives our global success. Innovation at McDonald's At the heart of McDonald's culture is a drive for innovation. We continuously seek innovative solutions to enhance the dining experience of our customers and improve our operational efficiencies. By joining our team, you'll collaborate on exciting projects that push the boundaries of what's possible in the fast-food industry. Networking and Professional Development McDonald's encourages professional development and networking through various initiatives and platforms. Connect with colleagues, mentors, and industry leaders who can help you navigate your career path and achieve your professional goals. Our commitment to career development is reflected in our ongoing training programs and our proactive approach to internal promotions and hiring. Join Our Team Explore the job opportunities at McDonald's and find the position that matches your skills and interests. We are hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals who are ready to contribute to our dynamic team. Check out our open positions and apply today to take the first step towards a rewarding career at McDonald's. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, company news, and industry insights—all from the people who work here at McDonald's. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your experience to receive updates that align with your career interests. McDonald's is more than just a company—it's a place where you can make a difference. Join us and help shape the future of the fast-food industry while building a career that you can be proud of.
Learn more about McDonalds
Size
200,000 employees
Market Cap
$194.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4.7 billion
Founded
1955
5 Year Trend
-1.2%
Revenue
$19.2 billion
NASDAQ

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